The Mumbai-Pune Expressway, the first access-controlled route in the nation, will see an 18% hike in tolls starting on April 1, according to officials with the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC).
A senior MSRDC official stated, quoting August 9, 2004 notification of the government, even though there is an annual increase of 6% in tolls every year; it is implemented collectively after every three years at 18%. According to another official, the new toll for four-wheelers like cars and jeeps will be Rs 320, and for vehicles like minibuses and tempos it would be Rs 495 from the current Rs 270 and Rs 420 respectively.
The two-axle vehicle toll would rise from the current Rs 585 to Rs 685. Multi-axle trucks and machinery vehicles would be required to pay Rs 2,165 instead of the current Rs 1,835, and three-axle trucks will be taxed Rs 1,630 instead of Rs 1,380.
According to officials, the toll would remain so until 2030, as it would not change in 2026 . The six-lane Mumbai-Pune Expressway, which is 95 km long, went into full operation in 2002. There are five toll booths where the toll is collected, the two largest ones being in Khalapur and Talegaon. Everyday, almost 1.5 lakh vehicles utilise the motorway.
The Expressway begins in Navi Mumbai at Kalamboli and finishes in Pune at Kiwale. Kon (Shedung), Chowk, Khalapur, Kusgaon, and Talegaon are its five interchanges. The expressway is divided into two carriageways, each with three concrete lanes. Wheelers, bullock, Pedestrians, two-wheelers, three- carts and tractors are not permitted, although tractor-trailers (semi-trailer rigs) are permitted
Owing to the expressway the journey from Kalamboli ( Bombay ) to Kiwale ( Pune ) now takes just two hours .. The expressway was built, operated, and maintained entirely by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation and is not a part of the NHAI highway network, NH 48.
